Analysis of Settlement Experiences of Syrian Families in the Canadian Context

Abstract

This presentation will provide an overview of the movement of Syrian Refugees into Rural and Small-Town Ontario. It will identify specific challenges that refugees face and it will identify some of the positives and negatives associated with community sponsorship. The profile of Syrian refugees shows that they will face barriers to resettlement and integration in host communities. Literature suggests that refugees experience a difficult time entering the labor market upon arrival to Canada (Government of Canada, 2016; Lamba, 2003; Yu, Oulette & Warmington, 2007). In addition, most Syrian women also lack the proper education in their first language and also lack work experience. Changes in immigration policy have reduced government funds to settlement supports, and this negatively affects refugee settlement (Bauder & Shields, 2015). Objectives: What are the impacts of Syrian family size, age of children, and gender relations on the outcomes of Syrian refugee families. What are the key factors that determine the capacity of a community to attract and retain refugees, what service supports need to be in place for all members of refugee families.